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Supporting Safer Digital Participation at DataFest Africa 2025: Our Clinic and Masterclass in Action

by AdvocacyAdvocacyDigital SecurityDigital SecurityProjects/Our Work Section

In October 2025, our team had the honor of participating in DataFest Africa 2025, organised by Pollicy, one of the continent’s leading convenings on data, technology, and innovation. As part of this vibrant gathering of technologists, researchers, civil society actors, policymakers, and creatives, we hosted a Digital Security Clinic, offering on-site support, guidance, and practical tools to participants navigating today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Why the Clinic Mattered

As digital spaces continue to expand across Africa, so do the risks that come with them including data misuse, online harassment, cyberstalking, image-based abuse, misinformation, account takeovers, and digital surveillance. For many activists, journalists, developers, and young innovators attending DataFest, these threats are not abstract; they are lived realities that affect their work, mental well-being, and personal safety.

Our clinic was designed as a safe, confidential, and responsive support space where participants could:

  • Seek one-on-one guidance on digital security and privacy
  • Report or discuss technology-facilitated gender-based violence
  • Get support on securing devices, accounts, and data
  • Receive mental health referrals and psychosocial first support after online abuse
  • Learn practical safety strategies for their work and activism

What We Offered on the Ground

Throughout the festival, our team provided:

  • Personalized digital risk assessments
  • Guidance on strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and safe browsing
  • Support on responding to online harassment, doxxing, and impersonation
  • Advice on safe content creation and data protection
  • Offered updated and genuine software like antivirus, MS Office, MS Word
  • Referral to trusted psychosocial and legal response partners where needed

Participants included women in tech, youth innovators, journalists, human rights defenders, researchers, and community organizers, many of whom were encountering structured digital safety support for the first time.

Key Reflections from the Clinic

Several key themes emerged from our engagement:

  • Online harm is deeply connected to offline safety, livelihoods, and mental health.
  • Many participants had experienced harassment, impersonation, or extortion but had never received professional support.
  • There is a strong demand for localized, continuous digital safety clinics, not just one-off trainings.
  • Women and young people remain disproportionately impacted by online violence and data misuse.

Building Resilient Digital Communities

Our presence at DataFest Africa 2025 reaffirmed the urgent need to move beyond awareness-raising alone. Safety must be practical, accessible, survivor-centered, and embedded into innovation spaces. Digital rights, data protection, and online wellbeing are not optional add-ons; they are essential foundations for meaningful participation in the digital economy.

By hosting this clinic, we demonstrated that large tech and data convenings can and should integrate real-time protection and support mechanisms alongside conversations on innovation, AI, governance, and development.

Masterclass: Shaping Youth Futures Through Digital Ownership

In addition to the digital safety clinic, we hosted a featured masterclass titled “Shaping Youth Futures Through Digital Ownership” at the National ICT Innovation Hub, Nakawa. The session brought together young people, innovators, and ecosystem actors to explore how digital ownership can unlock opportunity, protection, and economic independence for African youth. Participants engaged deeply with what digital ownership truly means in today’s platform-dominated economy, emphasizing the importance of owning data, digital skills, content, and platforms as a foundation for sustainable digital participation.

The masterclass examined how young people can transition from being passive digital consumers to empowered digital creators and owners, while critically reflecting on the risks of digital exploitation, platform dependence, and unsafe monetization. It further highlighted the role of policy, infrastructure, and community networks in protecting young digital entrepreneurs. The session was co-led by Noelyn Nassuuna, Raymond Amumpaire, and Owilla Abiro Mercy, who collectively challenged participants to think beyond access toward control, agency, safety, and sustainability in the digital economy.

Looking Ahead

Following DataFest Africa 2025, we are strengthening our:

  • Mobile digital safety clinics
  • Survivor-centered referral pathways
  • Youth and women-focused digital resilience programming
  • Partnerships with tech platforms, mental health professionals, and legal responders

We remain committed to ensuring that no one has to choose between visibility and safety, innovation and wellbeing, or participation and protection in digital spaces.

The Cyber Risk Traffic Light Game for CSOs

Introduction to the Cyber Risk Traffic Light Game: Digital Defense Freeze

by Civic SpaceDigital SecurityDigital SecurityProjects/Our Work SectionUncategorized

Welcome to Digital Defense Freeze, an interactive Cyber Risk Traffic Light Game designed to sharpen rapid decision-making, strengthen teamwork, and build practical threat-analysis skills for CSOs, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, every online action carries some level of risk. This game helps participants practice identifying threats, debating complex scenarios, and choosing the safest path forward using the familiar Green, Amber, and Red traffic-light system.

Through realistic, high-pressure situations drawn from our civic space in Uganda, teams will think critically, argue their positions, and learn how to move from guesswork to informed security judgments.

Get ready to assess, debate, decide, and freeze when the risks spike!

Download Game to Play

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From Uncertainty to Resilience: DPI at the Digital Immersion at FIFAfrica25

by Digital SecurityDigital Security

This September, Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI) proudly joined digital rights defenders, technologists, and changemakers from across Africa and beyond at #FIFAfrica25 in Windhoek, Namibia. But this wasn’t your typical conference, it was an immersive journey through the digital challenges facing human rights defenders today.

CIPESA’s Internet Freedom Maze turned abstract cybersecurity concepts into visceral, first-hand experiences. DPI was honored to take part in two critical spaces within this experience:

  • Zone 1 – The Trap of Uncertainty, and
  • The Digital Security Citadel, a live, hands-on tech corner of the exhibition.

Zone 1: Phishing, Power, and Practicality

At the heart of the maze stood Zone 1: The Trap of Uncertainty where participants were confronted with a question we all should ask more often:
“Am I truly safe online?”

DPI’s Communications Executive, Noelyn Nassuna, alongside Ogira Charles Donaldson, a member of the Digital Security Alliance hosted by DPI, led this space with thought-provoking simulations and real-time awareness-building. They guided participants through phishing simulations where QR codes led to realistic scam scenarios. It was a mirror into our digital behaviors forcing participants to pause, reflect, and often, realize they weren’t as secure as they thought.

To support learning beyond the simulation, DPI distributed custom-designed IEC materials, including ring cards with easy-to-understand security tips, tool recommendations, and practical digital hygiene reminders. These materials proved to be not just souvenirs but starter kits for better online habits.

At the Citadel: DPI’s Digital Doctors in Action

While Zone 1 tested instincts, the Digital Security Citadel gave participants tools and knowledge to strengthen those instincts.

Here, DPI’s Fred Drapari (ICT Executive) joined a team of digital security “doctors” including:

  • Gole Andrew, who impressively rode a motorcycle all the way from Uganda to Namibia in the name of digital resilience,
  • Hapee De Groot, a long-time digital security ally whose practical support and insight added great value,
  • Brian Byaruhanga from CIPESA, and
  • Several other seasoned practitioners from the Digital Security Alliance.

The Citadel offered:

  • Hands-on demos of Microsoft Office security settings
  • Guided installs and education around tools like Kaspersky antivirus, Bitdefender Security among others
  • Walkthroughs of encrypted messaging, password management, and 2FA
  • A rerun of the phishing simulation for those who missed Zone 1 or wanted to try again

It wasn’t just a tech station, it was a real-time consultation corner where participants could ask, test, fail, learn, and try again.

Building Connections Beyond the Booth

FIFAfrica25 wasn’t only about simulation and tech it was about connection and collaboration.

At both the Maze and the Citadel, DPI engaged with:

  • Funders and donor agencies interested in expanding the reach of digital protection work
  • Civic actors and journalists facing similar threats across the continent
  • Techies and tool builders contributing to the ecosystem of safe digital activism

From spontaneous hallway conversations to deeply technical Citadel demos, every interaction reinforced a shared vision: digital resilience is no longer optional – it’s essential.

What We’re Taking Home

As DPI returns home from Windhoek, we do so with renewed clarity and purpose. We plan to:

  • Expand the phishing simulation quiz into a broader campaign across civil society and media spaces
  • Print more of our IEC ring cards for wider distribution
  • Integrate new toolkits and tactics into our ongoing Digital Security Clinics and Bootcamps
  • Strengthen our collaborations with fellow Digital Security Alliance members and regional partners

FIFAfrica25 reminded us that defending the defenders is not just a slogan: it’s a strategy that requires tools, creativity, and deep community.

Want to Connect?

📸 Check out snapshots from our booth, materials, and the simulation challenge on our page:
https://twitter.com/defprotection

Let’s keep the digital resistance alive – one safe click at a time.

#FIFAfrica25 #DigitalResilience #InternetFreedom #PhishingAwareness #Zone1 #DigitalSecurityCitadel #DigitalImmersion

 

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Strengthening Digital Safety, Legal Awareness, and Mental Well-Being for Women Politicians and Journalists ahead of the Uganda 2026 elections

by AdvocacyDigital SecurityDigital SecurityFATFMental healthSecurity

Women journalists and women politicians increasingly operate in hostile digital and political environments where online harassment, surveillance, legal intimidation, and psychological pressure are becoming routine. To respond to these risks, Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI), in partnership with Pollicy, with support from Urgent Action Fund, conducted two tailored two-day capacity-building trainings focused on digital safety, legal implications and compliance, and mental health.

The trainings were delivered separately for women journalists and women politicians, recognising the distinct risk landscapes they navigate while grounding both engagements in shared principles of safety, rights protection, and resilience.

Addressing Real and Escalating Digital Threats

Participants shared experiences of online harassment, coordinated smear campaigns, account takeovers, surveillance, doxxing, and threats that often translate into offline harm. These attacks undermine professional work, personal safety, and emotional well-being. The trainings were designed to be practical and grounded, equipping participants with tools and strategies they could immediately apply in their work and daily lives.

Key Focus Areas of the Trainings

Over the two days, the sessions combined technical learning, legal literacy, and psychosocial support through interactive and participant-centred approaches:

1. Digital Safety Tools and Practices
Participants were introduced to safe and trusted digital tools for secure communication, strong account protection, password management, and safe data handling. Hands-on exercises supported participants in assessing personal and organisational risk and adopting safer digital practices without fear or overwhelm.

2. Legal Implications and Compliance
The training unpacked relevant legal and regulatory frameworks affecting digital engagement, journalism, and political participation. Participants explored compliance obligations, responsible online conduct, and ways to protect themselves legally while continuing to exercise freedom of expression and civic participation.

3. Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-Being
Recognising the emotional toll of digital attacks, dedicated sessions focused on mental health, burnout, and collective care. Participants discussed coping mechanisms, peer support, and referral pathways for psychosocial and mental health support, reinforcing the importance of well-being as a core component of protection.

Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Spaces

DPI intentionally created safe, feminist, and survivor-centered spaces where women could share their experiences openly, learn collectively, and rebuild their confidence. The approach affirmed that digital safety is not only technical or legal, but it is also deeply linked to dignity, agency, and mental well-being.

Outcomes and the Way Forward

By the end of the training, participants reported increased confidence in:

  • Using secure digital tools and safer online practices
  • Understanding legal risks and compliance responsibilities
  • Responding to online harassment and intimidation
  • Prioritising mental health and seeking support when needed

Through collaboration with Pollicy and the support of the Urgent Action Fund, DPI delivered a holistic intervention that recognises digital safety, legal protection, and mental health as interconnected pillars for women’s participation in journalism and politics.

Defenders Protection Initiative remains committed to strengthening the safety, resilience, and leadership of women human rights defenders, journalists, and political actors, ensuring they can continue to engage in public life safely, confidently, and with dignity.

U.S. Ruling on NSO Sends Warning as Pegasus Targets Ugandan Journalists

by AdvocacyDigital SecurityDigital SecurityResearch

By Noelyn Nassuuna | 8 May 2025

In a historic decision on May 6, 2025, a U.S. jury in California ordered NSO Group to pay $168 million in damages for deploying its Pegasus spyware to hack WhatsApp’s infrastructure. This unprecedented verdict—$447,719 in compensatory damages and over $167 million in punitive damages—marks the first time the notorious Israeli spyware company is held financially accountable in court for its hacking operations.

This ruling is a major victory for global digital rights defenders and a critical warning to companies enabling unlawful surveillance. For years, NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware has been linked to grave human rights violations, including the targeting of journalists, activists, and dissidents worldwide. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, pursued a six-year legal battle to expose these abuses and protect its users. The judgment follows a landmark January 2025 summary ruling that found NSO guilty of violating U.S. and California hacking laws and breaching WhatsApp’s Terms of Service.

“This verdict sends a clear message to spyware companies that targeting people through U.S.-based platforms will come with a high price,” said Michael De Dora, U.S. Policy and Advocacy Manager at Access Now.

But while the courtroom victory occurred in the United States, its impact reverberates far beyond. Just days before the judgment, Ugandan investigative journalist Canary Mugume took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal that Pegasus spyware had attempted to infiltrate his device. His post sent shockwaves through Uganda’s media and civil society sectors, especially as the nation edges closer to its 2026 general elections.

This is not the first time Pegasus has been used to target journalists globally. In Uganda, such incidents signal a chilling escalation in the digital threats facing the press. The implications are grave: surveillance software like Pegasus doesn’t just spy on individuals—it compromises entire newsrooms, sources, and the right to information.

“Apple sent this notification to me indicating that I am being targeted by a mercenary spyware. Most of these are used by Governments to hack into phones of journalists, high-profile figures and activists. They last sent this in 2021, there’s a pattern – electoral season.”

In past years, several journalists and human rights defenders in Uganda have reported suspicious digital intrusions, but rarely with hard evidence pointing to a tool as sophisticated and invasive as Pegasus. The spyware is known for its ability to silently infiltrate phones, access messages, camera, microphone, and more—all without the user’s knowledge.

At Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI), we continue to raise alarm and awareness over the growing use of surveillance technologies to intimidate, silence, or endanger the work of journalists, activists, and civil society organizations. The risks are particularly heightened during politically sensitive periods such as elections, where access to reliable information and protection of press freedom are critical for democratic integrity.

The recent U.S. court ruling is a reminder: accountability is possible. It is also a call to action for governments, tech companies, and civil society in Uganda and across Africa to:

  • Strengthen digital security protocols for journalists and human rights defenders
  • Demand transparency and oversight over surveillance technologies
  • Challenge spyware vendors through legal, policy, and public channels

We stand in solidarity with journalists like Canary Mugume and urge all media professionals to report digital threats and seek expert support. DPI remains committed to supporting journalists and human rights defenders through digital security trainings, emergency response, and legal support.

As elections approach, the protection of digital rights is not just a tech issue—it is a human rights imperative.

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Introduction to Our Digital Security Tips Ring Cards

by Digital SecurityDigital SecurityProjects/Our Work SectionResearchRisk AssessmentSecurity

Staying safe online shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we created the Digital Security Ring Cards, a compact, easy-to-use tool designed to help individuals and teams quickly access essential digital safety tips anytime, anywhere.

These ring cards simplify critical digital security practices into short, practical reminders you can flip through on the go. Whether you’re a human rights defender, journalist, student, activist, or part of a CSO, the ring cards offer daily guidance to help you protect your devices, accounts, data, and online presence.

Each card is intentionally crafted with clear language, actionable steps, and real-world relevance, making digital security approachable for beginners and useful even for experienced users. Perfect for trainings, workshops, office desks, fieldwork kits, and personal use, the ring cards act as your pocket-sized security companion.

Empower yourself with knowledge.
Carry digital safety with you, one card at a time.

Download Ring Card

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A Mini Digital Security Handbook for CSOs

by Digital SecurityDigital SecurityProjects/Our Work SectionResearchRisk AssessmentSecurity

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) face increasing risks that threaten their work, safety, and credibility. From data breaches and online harassment to targeted cyber-attacks on human rights defenders, the need for practical, accessible, and context-relevant digital protection has never been greater.

To support CSOs in strengthening their resilience, Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI) has developed the Mini Digital Security Handbook for CSOs, a simplified, action-oriented guide designed to equip teams with essential knowledge and tools for safer digital engagement. Whether you are an advocacy group, community-based organization, media house, or grassroots movement, this handbook provides clear steps you can take today to safeguard your communications, devices, data, and online presence.

This resource breaks down complex digital security concepts into easy-to-understand practices tailored to the realities of organizations working in sensitive environments. It is perfect for beginners, trainers, and teams seeking a quick but reliable reference for digital safety.

Strengthen your organization’s digital resilience.
Start your journey with the Mini Digital Security Handbook today.

Download Handbook

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Investing in Women’s Safety and Security

by AdvocacyDigital SecurityDigital SecuritySecurity

We hope you were celebrated or honored by the women in your life, and we encourage you to continue this appreciation beyond Women’s Day.

Speaking of Women’s Day, this year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” underscores the critical need for increased financing in gender equality efforts, including funding gender-responsive, green energy initiatives, and support for female and feminist changemakers.

These challenges notwithstanding, as experts in the fields of security, safety, and human rights, we have witnessed firsthand how the unique security risks and threats faced by women impede progress not only toward achieving equity but also in improving their overall quality of life.

Here are four impactful ways in which we can invest in women to accelerate progress through enhanced security and safety measures.

Enhancing  Responsiveness of Security and Justice Institutions 

According to a 2020 Violence Against Women and Girls Survey (VAWG) conducted by UBOS, a staggering 95% of women surveyed reported experiencing physical and sexual violence. Shockingly, only 45% of those who had experienced intimate partner physical and sexual violence chose to report it, primarily due to a deep-seated mistrust in the judicial system.

Despite efforts such as the establishment of Gender-Based Violence help desks by Uganda Police, significant gaps remain in addressing these issues effectively. There is an urgent need to bolster the responsiveness of law enforcement and judicial institutions in apprehending and prosecuting perpetrators. Strengthening these mechanisms is crucial in not only delivering justice to survivors but also contributing significantly to deterring future occurrences.

GBV Toll Free Helpline 0800199195

Support, NOT Survivor Blaming

The UBOS survey also revealed that the other reasons why women opted not to report physical/sexual abuse were fear of being blamed for the incidents and the threat of continued abuse or worse consequences by their abusers if they spoke up.

In light of these distressing findings, it is clear that women who have endured abuse and violations, need tools and assistance to cope, recover, and pursue justice, to help them navigate these harrowing experiences and gradually rebuild a sense of safety and stability in their lives. This can be informed by psychosocial support or training in basic self-defense skills among others.

Equipping Women with Knowledge and Skills to Navigate the Evolving Digital Landscape

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, it’s crucial to empower women with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate cyberspaces safely. This includes providing them with the tools to prevent, recognize, and respond to cyber-attacks effectively. Explore our website for digital security support options/offerings.

As more aspects of our lives move online, women are increasingly vulnerable to various forms of digital abuse, including hacking, cyberbullying, harassment, and online stalking. By skilling women in cybersecurity and digital safety, we can empower women to protect themselves against such threats and confidently engage in online activities.

Investing in Gender-Inclusive Tech for Safety and Security 

By allocating resources toward the creation and refinement of tech tools tailored to women’s needs, we can address existing safety concerns and foster a more inclusive digital environment. 

Here are a few we like; digitalsafetea.com safebangle.org bitdefender.com 

For blog article

Data Privacy and Protection: Essential Insights for NPOs.

by AdvocacyBusinessDigital SecurityDigital Security

Like other organisations/companies, Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) collect and utilise data from their program participants, partners or donors. It is therefore imperative that they prioritize data privacy and protection.

Data privacy and protection essentially entail safeguarding sensitive personally identifiable information, covering data collection, storage, and organizational use. Data collected by NPOs may include details such as names, addresses, emails, and financial information. 

Here are key insights for NPOs as they navigate the landscape of data privacy and protection.

Why Data Privacy and Protection?

Data protection and privacy aren’t just checkboxes for NPOs; failure to safeguard sensitive information can lead to severe consequences, posing significant risks to organisations.

Loss of Data

Losing valuable data can be detrimental to an NPO’s operations. Whether it’s program participant information, donor records, or financial data, the loss of such information can disrupt essential activities and hinder effective decision-making. Additionally, recovering lost data can be a time-consuming and costly process. 

Financial Loss

Data breaches can lead to financial losses. NPOs may face financial liabilities associated with rectifying the situation. This could include expenses related to legal actions, regulatory fines, or compensating affected individuals. By implementing robust data protection measures, the risk of financial loss can be minimised and resources can be allocated to their core mission.

Damage to Reputation

NPOs and civil society organizations in general rely heavily on the trust and support of their stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the civil society at large. A data breach or mishandling of sensitive information can severely damage their reputation. Negative publicity, loss of trust, and public scrutiny can have long-term consequences. 

What to Do: Take Action

Digital Security

One of the primary steps in ensuring data protection is to prioritize digital security—measures to secure all data collected, processed, or stored electronically. This includes implementing robust firewalls, encryption techniques, and access controls to prevent unauthorized access or damage to sensitive information. Regularly updating security software and conducting vulnerability assessments can help identify and address any potential vulnerabilities in the organization’s systems. Additionally, establishing strong internal policies and educating staff about cybersecurity best practices can significantly enhance data protection.

Transparency

It is crucial to provide data subjects with enough information to make informed decisions about the data collected from them to obtain informed consent. This includes being transparent about the purpose of data collection, how it will be used, and whether it will be shared with any third parties. This can be achieved through clear and concise privacy policies, consent forms, and opt-in mechanisms. 

Compliance

Compliance with relevant data privacy and protection laws can minimise the risk of legal consequences and demonstrate their commitment to protecting individuals’ privacy.

The Personal Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019, spells out specific regulations on data handling. It may also be helpful for NPOs to familiarise themselves with international laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to stay informed about how data may be used by third parties operating under EU jurisdiction. This also ensures that they (NPOs) handle data from the same jurisdiction in a way that aligns with the required standards.

Where To Start: Available Resources 

  • At DPI, we provide training and capacity building in data privacy and protection specifically tailored for NGOs. Feel free to reach out to us here for assistance.
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The Strength of Strategic Coalitions: Showcasing the Impact of the Digital Security Alliance and NPO Coalition on FATF.

by AdvocacyAML/CTFCivic SpaceDigital SecurityDigital SecurityFATF

The pivotal role played by strategic coalitions in advancing our mission cannot be overstated. This month we highlight key wins of the Digital Security Alliance (DSA) and the NPO Coalition on FATF, shedding light on their contributions to empowering Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and cultivating supportive ecosystems.

Digital Security Alliance (DSA)

Digital Security Clinics:

Through our Digital Security Clinics, we have significantly extended our impact in fortifying the cybersecurity resilience of HRDs. This month’s focus was on empowering grassroots HRDs and CBOs, which are most burdened with emerging digital challenges such as limited access due to slow or no internet connectivity, data loss, and the absence of enabling ICT hardware and infrastructure, such as cell towers and computers.

The Digital Security Clinics successfully fortified the digital security capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Eastern subregion, including the Pallisa Civil Society Organization Network (PACONET), Public Affairs Center of Uganda (PACUganda), Soroti, the Kapchorwa Civil Society Organizations Alliance, and the Joshua’s Cheptegei Development Foundation.

DSA served as the official digital security partner for the 5th edition of the Human Rights Convention hosted by Chapter Four Uganda and the 5th Annual Women’s Week hosted by Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET). These workshops addressed multifaceted issues, including limited access, insufficient digital literacy, and socio-cultural barriers discouraging women’s engagement with ICT.

NPO Coalition on FATF

Global NPO Consultation on Recommendation 8

The Global NPO Coalition on FATF played a pivotal role in the success of the “Risk and Consequence: The Future of FATF Recommendation 8 for Financial Integrity and Civil Society” conference. This convening brought together policymakers, standard setters, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations (NPOs), multilateral organisations, academics, and think tanks, all of whom contributed their input to the revision of the FATF Recommendation 8.

Furthermore, the Coalition submitted recommendations to the FATF Public Consultation on revisions to Recommendation 8 and its Interpretive Note. The approved revised standard clarifies the application of the risk-based approach, acknowledges sectoral self-regulation measures, and explicitly states that NPOs should not be considered obliged entities.

As we reflect on the achievements of the Digital Security Alliance and NPO Coalition on FATF, we are inspired to continue fostering alliances, enhancing outreach, and creating lasting impacts on the front lines of advocacy. The journey toward safeguarding human rights defenders remains a collective endeavor, and we look forward to the shared progress that lies ahead.